Eagles quarterback Nick Foles says he was caught off guard by DeSean Jackson’s sudden release last month and described his relationship with his former teammate as “great.”

“He was a great teammate to me," Foles told CSNPhilly’s Derrick Gunn, who asked the quarterback if, to his knowledge, Jackson was ever a “disruptive factor” for the Eagles.

“We had a great relationship on and off the field,” Foles added. “Everybody has other things going on, but to me personally, I really enjoyed playing with him and I'm excited that he landed on his feet. He's a heck of a player.”

In his first public comments on the matter, Foles also said he was surprised by the Eagles’ decision to release the 27-year-old wide receiver, who posted career highs in catches and receiving yards last season en route to a third Pro Bowl bid.

Jackson, of course, signed with the NFC East rival Redskins five days after being cut amid off-the-record reports of a rift between Jackson and Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, as well as attitude problems.

“You know, it's surprising,” Foles said. “But at the same time, you learn that it's a business. It's a tough business, at times. We develop a lot of friendships on a team and I've had many of my close teammates let go. It's very tough, but at the same time, you know it's a part of the game, part of the business.”

Foles continued: “You wish them well. He landed on his feet and I know he's going to do well. He's a great player. He's been tremendous for me. But at the same time, we have to keep moving forward as an organization. But I do wish DeSean well. I had a blast playing with him."